ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has opposed construction
of large number of mega dams in Arunachal Pradesh. The party demanded the State Government
bring out ‘White Paper’ on Hydro-Power and dams.

“The people have right and ought to know the Government policy on hydro-power, dams
and provisions and term of reference there in MoU/MoA(s),” the party said in a release
today.

The PPA said that if the Government is serious about the future of the state, it
should scrap the MoU/MoA(s) and switch over to the more sustainable; ecological and
culture friendly projects. “Development can’t be term as development unless it’s
for the development of the host population,” it added.

The party further said that the MoU/MoAs have been signed for construction of more
than 100 dams with the different Govt undertakings, unexperienced private power developers
and corporations under the Congress government without prior information to the people
to be affected. The party observed at this moment the state does not require large
numbers of dam which would displace many indigenous communities.

“What we require is only minor dams or run off the river projects which would have
less human displacement and ecological hazardous or few number of dam. Our pristine
ecology and rich bio diversity are also our resources and we need to preserve it
for our posterity too,” the party said.

Ali-Aye Ligang celebrated with gaiety

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Ali- Aaye Lcgang, the main festival of Mishings was celebrated
by the people of Mishing community residing in Capital Complex with traditional gaiety
today.

Ali- Aye-Ligang, the agricultural festival is celebrated on the first Wednesday of
Fagun month (between January and February) every year. The literal meaning of Ali-
Aye-Ligang stands for first sowing of roots and fruits in which ‘Ali’ stands for
seeds, ‘Aye’ for fruits and ‘Ligang’ for sowing.

The celebration began with hoisting of festival flag followed by traditional dance.
The revelers including young boys and girls with their traditional best attires danced
to the tune of "Oi nitom" and drum beats (Dumdum-lupi). Pasighat DIPRO adds: Ali-Aye
Ligang was also celebrated by Mishings of Sille-Oyan at Babu Oiram Bori Dirbi Lotta
(Oiram Bori memorial cultural complex), Oyan with traditional gaiety and fervor today.
Before the celebration, the Mishings paid homage to late Oiram Bori, a selfless social
worker who was instrumental in promoting Mishing art and culture.

Addressing the festival revelers, Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok admitted that the
community people are yet to have better education. Tapok appealed to all section
of people to preserve and promote their own culture and tradition. The DC wished
the Mishing community good health, bumper harvest and prosperity. He also released
‘Member Mijing’, a book on late Oiram Bori and gave away prizes to the achievers
on the occasion.

Earlier, ZPM Okom Yosung hoped that such festival would bring unity and integrity
among all sections of people.

Miladoi Pait Medok, a follower of Oiram Bori, who represented the cultural troupe
in the Republic Day celebration in 1971 in Delhi was felicitated on the occasion.

People from all walks of life with traditional attire thronged the festival ground,
performed the rituals and presented the traditional dance and dramas.

Among others, President Dr. Robin Bori (Rtd. Jt. DHS), General Secretary Mojit Pao,
Chief Advisor Dr. D Pait, Chief Patron A Perme (CO) and representatives of ABK both
central and district were present and spoke on the occasion.

Public hearing on proposed Lower Siang district faces stiff opposition

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Feb 15: The process of creating Lower Siang district has been facing stiff
oppositions as various organizations under Nari-Koyu and Likabali constituencies
have launched protest movement in support of the their demand for exclusion of Basar
from the new district.

The members of District Demand Joint Action Committee (DDJAC), Ramle Banggo Welfare
Society (RBWS) and Ramle Banggo Students’ Union (RBSU) today blocked vehicular movement
on the road at Lumpong village near Assam Police Battalion camp and stopped entry
of the High Power Committee (HPC) members and administrative officials to Nari headquarter
to conduct hearing. The protestors have also placed their demands before the HPC
at the spot.

The allied organizations have been opposing inclusion of Basar in the proposed Lower
Siang district and demanding Likabali as it’s headquarter.

It stated that it would boycott Public Hearing fixed by HPC at Likabali tomorrow.
Members of DDJAC along with PRI members and leaders of all political parties of Likabali
and Nari Koyu (ST) Assembly constituencies recently met the state’s Chief Minister,
Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary (Home) and demanded them to redress
their grievances that they are facing in creation of Lower Siang district.

The delegation team also demanded the government for deletion or correction of the
terms of reference No. (i) of Notification No.DAD-22/2009 issued on June-30, 2011
and gave an ultimatum to act on it before February 12. It warned the government to
launch vigorous movement in favour of its demand.

On the other hand, the Adi Bane Kebang and Ramle Banggo Adi People’s Forum (RBAPF)
are rigid on their demand to exclude the Adi villages under Nari-Koyu constituency
in the proposed Lower Siang district. Reiterating their demand, the RBAPF today handed
over the HPC a memorandum at the blockade place.

However, the people of the area who are demanding deletion of ‘Reference-1 of Govt.
Notification’ and establishment of district headquarter of the proposed Lower Siang
District at Siki Rima,prevented the visiting team to hold the public hearing. They
called for a 24hrs bandh and blocked the road leading to the public hearing venue
by felling trees and burning tyres.

Dr. HK Paliwal and his team appealed and tried to persuade the agitating public to
let the public hearing be held so that the grievances and ground realities can be
heard which the agitators refused.

Meanwhile, the HGBs and the public of five Adi dominated villages, namely Depi, Depi-Moli,
Detak, Korang and Sido submitted a memorandum to the committee to exclude these villages
from the proposed district, because of linguistic, cultural and traditional homogeneity
and easy administration etc.

Know Your Legendary Artistes

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: As part of the series to pay tribute to legendary artistes of Arunachal,
today we will let you know about two more artistes acted together in “Meri Dharam
Meri Maa” the first Hindi film of Arunachal.

They are popularly known as Takar and Talo of Meri Dharam Meri Maa film. Yes, we
are talking about Nabam Tata alias Takar and Tadu Tayung alias Talo. Tata won the
hearts of many female fans by portraying role of Talo, the hero of Meri Dharam Meri
Maa film. Tayung the villain of same movie also won many hearts with his acting.

Born on 7th October 1958 at Kamcho Taram village under Yachuli Circle, Lower Subansiri
district Tata completed his graduation from Govt. College, Itanagar under Punjab
University in the year 1984. Tata had associated himself in the activities of preserving,
encouraging and exposing the traditional culture and music of the State in general
and for Nvishi Community in particular. He produced a short feature film titled `A
NYISHI MARRIAGE 'through which he has exposed the hidden myth of the Nyishi customary
marriage. Besides these, he had written a number of articles on mythological thoughts
such as `BADAL DALO'. He also wrote lyrics for Komchi Lela, maiden audio album of
Nyishi community. His most famous and popular number include ‘JIWT ANE GE NYETAM
NAM HF50L NGULE HOPUQ PEKIN LA’. In the year 2001 he had made another breakthrough
for Nyishi community by systematically documenting and introducing the new method
of prayer system through Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo, which has set a history in the
annals of Nyishi ritual practices.

Tadu Tayung was born on 1st January 1961 at Mudang Tage village of Ziro under Lower
Subansiri district. He won accolades for his role of Talo, the villain of popular
movie Meri Dharam Meri Maa. He won HAMARE award 2012 for his contribution to Arunachalee
society. At present he is working as chief engineer PWD.

Training prog on common guidelines and IWMP DIPR preparation begins

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: A training on sensitization of senior officers on Common Guidelines
and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP) for middle/junior level officers of the line departments began
at the Conference Hall of the RWD office here today.

The training was sponsored by National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), Planning Commission,
Govt. of India and organized by Soil Conservation Society of India (SCSI), Delhi
in collaboration with state Rural Works Department.

Resource persons from SCSI, New Delhi, NIRD, Guwahati and SCSI’s Meghalaya Chapter
are imparting training to the participating officers from RWD and other lined departments.

Addressing the inaugural session, additional PCCF Rabindra Kumar spoke about the
relevance of the training programme in the present day context where soil erosion
and global warming cause concern. Kumar also called for concerted efforts by line
departments including forest for preparation of effective DPR on IWMP.

Earlier, RWD Chief Engineer T Welly stressed on the need of such training and called
upon the participants to take full advantage of the training programme.

New Delhi SCSI president Suraj Bhan in his speech highlighted the role of the Society
in soil conservation throughout the country, while Dr K Haloi of NIRD Guwahati explained
about the activities of the institute towards enhancement of rural economy.

Former director of State Land Use Board, Dr P C Srivastava assured to extend all
kind of cooperation in preparation of IWMP project report, while SLUB director R
S Sharma and co-ordinator of the programme explained about the objective of the training.

Among others, senior and junior soil conservation officers from various districts
and officers from line departments were present in the inaugural session.

The three days training programme for senior officers of line departments on common
guideline will end on February 17. This would be followed by five days “Training
on preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) on Watershed Development for Middle
/ Junior Level Officers from February 21. The training programme will conclude on
February 25.

Capital gears up for statehood day celebration

ITANAGAR, Feb. 15: Hectic preparations are going on for celebration of Statehood
Day throughout Arunachal Pradesh in a grand manner on February 20.

At Itanagar, the celebration will be organized in a grand manner befitting the completion
of 25 years of statehood. To commemorate this momentous occasion, a 5-day festival
entitled Festival of Arunachal is being organized during February 20-24. A host of
VVIPs, dignitaries, media, tourists, artistes, sportspersons, Army, Air Force and
other organizations are taking part in the celebrations.

In order to give the Itanagar Capital Complex a festive look during the festival,
the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has decided to conduct a social service on February
18 in the entire Capital Complex in which the Govt. servants and public should participate.
The Capital administration has requested all the heads of department and NGOs and
capital based para military forces to conduct social service in their respective
areas.

Meanwhile, in view of the ensuing Statehood day celebration and the Festival of
Arunachal, Capital DC, under section 144A Cr.PC, has prohibited carrying of any kind
of lethal weapon, explosives or any other items dangerous to safety and security
of life and property in and around the Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar with immediate
effect. The prohibitory order will remain enforced until further orders.

Saaya calls for optimum use of agri land

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Parliamentary secretary, Agriculture, Likha Saaya has exhorted
the agriculture officers to concentrate on optimum utilization of land resources
of the state for the welfare of farmers community.

While inaugurating the two-days conference of Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Officers
Association at Naharlagun today, Saaya said agriculture officers should strive hard
for optimum use of agricultural land with modern technology as the farmers are
is still regarded as backbone of rural economy of the country. Agriculture officers
and Agri Technocrats from all districts of the state are participating in the conference.

Earlier, ATI assistant director Pate Marik addressed the open session of the conference.
Pointing out the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission for well-being of the
Govt employees, he called upon the officers to reciprocate as responsible and dedicated
public servant. “We should have a sense of commitment to our duty” he said and assured
all kind cooperation to the association in future.

A.K. Purakayastha, Director, agriculture marketing, in his key note address informed
that the motto of Association should be “Farmers first”. He advocated the philosophy
of motivation at all levels and appealed to all officers to work with dedication
so as to achieve inclusive growth in the Farm sector under the XII Five Year Plan.
ADOs R Dochuk and Idar Nyori also spoke on the occasion.

International seminar on “Resources, Tribes and State” concludes

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The three-day international seminar on “Resources, Tribes and State”
organized by the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University
at RGU premises concluded today.

Addressing the valedictory function of the seminar, Professor SN Chaudhury of Barkatullah
University, Bhopal asserted that tribal population is on the verge of extinction
from the society due to maximum exploitation of the natural resources by the human
beings.

In today’s society, it is difficult to define the local culture of the tribal community
owing to globalization. Tradition and culture keep on changing its shape due to
globalization in the name of development, the scholar observed. He said the rural
people are also migrating in urban area due imbalance in development process. Such
defective method of development is exploiting the tribal society, he added.

Prof Chaudhury further said state resources are being exploited due lack of awareness
among the tribal people. Tribal land is being utilized in the name of implementation
of development projects without taking care of the resources and future of tribal
people, he added. He called upon the students to ponder upon these issues and work
for the development of the tribal community.

Rajiv Gandhi University Vice Chancellor Prof. David R Syiemlieh said the three-day
session has provided a platform to visualize a general idea about the tribal societies
across the world.

In India, we are more sensitive towards tribes. They always try to maintain their
own culture and traditions and paid highest concern for its preservation, that’s
why the anthropologists of the state have a bigger role to play, he added.

One of the participants while sharing his experience said their notion before coming
to the state of Arunachal Pradesh was quite different and seminar was a complete
eye-opener for all of us as the place is very beautiful as well as the people were
very kind and cooperative.

“I feel that the seminar provided new approaches and prospects for the students
who are engaged in various developmental activities”, shared another participant
who came from Pune University.

M C Behra, Seminar Director disclosed that though difficulties were there to arrange
everything but the seminar was conducted successfully with cooperation of all.

The seminar was sponsored by Rajiv Gandhi University, ICSSR, New Delhi, NERC, Shillong
and ASI, Kolkata.

Impediments for separate functional judiciary in context of Arunachal Pradesh

Dani Belo

Article 50 of the Constitution of India obligates the state to take steps to separate
the judiciary from the executive in the public service of the state. The Article
is based on the bedrock of the principle of independence of the judiciary which has
been held to be one of the basic tenets and a fundamental requirement of our constitution.
This has resulted in the fact that the concept of an independent judiciary has been
elevated to the level of the basic structure of the constitution.

However, the said concept of having a separate judicial structure for the inhabitants
of the state has not being given its due constitutional recognition, which could
be possibly due to various factors such as its remote location, isolation from the
mainstream system of judicial governance and the due importance attached to the tribal
system of community justice practiced from time immemorial, however, as the time
progressed, there has been a marked development in the process to achieve the said
constitutional objectives.

In this tribal state of ours, the administration of civil and criminal justice is
being regulated by the Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation, 1945(1
of 1945), the regulation provides both procedural and substantive regulatory mechanism
of civil and criminal matters and disposal thereof.

In the earlier period in the absence of the judiciary, the executive authorities
namely the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy commissioners, the Asst commissioners
and the village authorities had exercised the powers analogous to the pots as defined
in the code of criminal procedure.

It is worth mentioning that a assembly committee was constituted under the chairmanship
of L Wanglat in 1981 to study the judicial system in the state and the committee
finally submitted its report on 22nd Septemeber, 1984 with its one of the recommendations
that the state govt should take immediate steps to have a limited separation of judiciary
from the executive.

The state since in its inception from the days of the frontier tracts and under the
administration of the British period has withstood the test and the requirements
of the time. The Assam Frontier Regulation which is a pioneer law in the field of
administration of justice in this state had a commendable contribution to the growth
of civil and criminal jurisprudence in this state since its enactment. The same is
admitted by the fact that even though the enactment of it was done in 1945, till
date, it has been amended only in 2005,even though it has been felt that the same
needs to be comprehensively and extensively amended for today’s requirement.

It is also pertinent to mention that the state government in its wisdom had in 2007
by a cabinet decision conferred judicial powers to the civil service officers by
virtue of the post held by them and it could be said that de facto we have a complete
separation of judiciary with the executive officers on the helm of affairs.

Coupled with the fact that the state Govt is required under the Article 50 of the
constitution of India, to take steps to separate judiciary from the executive, the
monitoring which at present is done by the Supreme Court in Civil Appeal no. of
2002 in the matter of State of Meghalaya vs Subhasis Chakraborty & Ors and for which
the State of AP has been made a respondents’ in the said case, the law dept is in
the process of moving the Govt for creation of more number of judicial post and the
infrastructures for judiciary both under the state plan and the central govt assistance.
However there is a long way to go before full separation of judiciary from the executive
is materialized.

It is however relevant to pout out that even though the state of Arunachal Pradesh
has been studiously trying to achieve the goals for a full and complete separation
of judiciary as mandated under the Article 50 of the Indian constitution, there appears
certain logistics, legal and financial impediments in achieving the same, for which
an attempt is being made to discuss the same below:

* Outdated legislative framework in the way of Assam Frontier Regulation.

* Remoteness of the areas coupled with backwardness.

* Lack of Financial resources of the state.

* Lack of adequate case pendency for trial and disposal.

* Lack of Human resources.

1.Outdated legislative framework in the way of Assam Frontier Regulation: The Assam
Frontier Regulation which is a pioneer law in the field of administration of justice
in this state as discussed above still regulate the system of administration of justice.
It is seen that the 1945 regulation provides that on a bare perusal of the above
provisions, the Act in section 15,36 provides that both civil and criminal justice
are to be administered by the DC/ADC/EAC/CO and the village authorities only, there
is no legal or legislative coverage to the establishment of two new district courts
and the earlier fast tract courts as functioning in the state. It is also relevant
to mention here that then Govt policy and the regulation had barred the application
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Civil procedure code and the provisions of the
evidence act in the dispensation of justice as the courts and magistrates would decide
the case as per their wisdom thereby giving a go by to the established procedure
of both civil and criminal justice and thus inhabiting the growth and developments
in the field of judicial jurisprudence in the state. However recently, the Govt has
decided to adopt the civil and criminal procedures in totality in the state judicial
administration.

2. Lack of Financial resources of the state. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in All India
Judges Association vs the Union of India in its order dated 7-2-2006 & 21-11-2006
had directed the state of Arunachal Pradesh to take steps to separate the judiciary
from the executive. Accordingly steps were initiated to comply with the same by deciding
to create post of judiciary at the level of Sessions only by the cabinet in its sitting
on 11.5.2005 as a huge financial liability to the tune of 103 crores would be required
for complete separation till the magistrate level including the infrastructures and
which the Govt could not avail.

Accordingly a request was made to the central Govt to provide the said amount as
a part of special assistance; however, the same has been turned down. The decision
of 2005 was again reviewed in 2006 by the cabinet and it was decided that the separation
would be in phase wise and at the first time only two courts of sessions would be
established.

In another case of SLP pending in the Supreme Court in the case of State of Meghalaya
vs Subhasis Chakraborty, the Supreme Court is actively supervising the judicial separation
in the state and as a result more judicial courts are in the offing which are in
the active consideration of the state.

3. Lack of adequate case pendency for trial and disposal. The role played by the
village authority in administration of justice as mandated by the regulation is a
unique proposition in the Indian judicial system as it recognizes the concept of
delivery of justice at ones doorstep at cheap and faster rate in compared to the
general position in other parts of India and the same is widely appreciated by one
and all including the by the ld judges of the high court.

4.Lack of Human resources. One of the matters of concern for opting for a complete
separation of judiciary at this juncture would be a major lack of human resources
in obtaining the best and intelligent talents in the bar and the bench as the state
has a very limited numbers of practicing and qualified advocates who could don the
offices of the judges/magistrates or in the form of pleaders or counsels in the courts
in the state. With the establishment of a local law college at Naharlagun, the problem
would be addressed to a limited extent and so unless there is availability of adequate
human resources, the whole concept is going to fail, which the state can afford.

5.Remoteness of the areas coupled with backwardness. In view of the location and
its topography, our state is really at a disadvantageous position for the proper
functioning of the courts at present. It takes weeks or sometimes months for the
courts notices, summons to reach to the destined persons or the authority as the
road connectivity and postal means are not reliable. Even the best of technology
would sometimes fail as the areas are still to have a proper technology support and
the lack of electricity. So there arises a greater need for development to move at
a greater pace.

As discussed above, unless urgent steps to remove the above bottlenecks, the constitutional
requirement of having a separate judicial functional autonomy would be a distant
dream for each one of us and there lies a great burden to the Govt of the day to
address the issues.

(The writer is a Under Secretary, Law and Judicial, Itanagar)

Awareness campaign on disaster management

DAPORIJO, Feb 15: A two days awareness campaign on Disaster Management cum mock
drill program on fire accidents was held at Rijo Ground, Daporijo on February 13
and 14. The programme was organized especially for the fire prone colonies of the
Daporijo under the initiative of DRRO, Department of Relief and Rehabilitation, Daporijo.

The DC A Abhyankar cautioning the public about fire accidents stressed on the need
for every colony to prepare Colony road maps and form quick Response teams to help
the administration at the time of needs.

Daporijo DRRO Lobsang explaining the aims and objective of the program said that
only the District Administration and concerned departments cannot do anything until
and unless there is full public cooperation. Seeking maximum public participation,
he also said that the public are the first responders and also victims in any kind
of disaster, so participation in this kind of Awareness Campaign Cum Mock drill will
greatly benefit them.

The public should know how to prepare road maps, form response teams and how to communicate/inform
the Fire station about fire accidents. He informed that only awareness of the maximum
number of people and creation of disaster alarm system within colonies and pre-disaster
preparedness will minimize man- made and natural disasters.

Gracing the occasion, Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare
Board (APB&OCWWB) Chairman Jalley Sonam exhorted the students to be sincere and disciplined
towards their studies.

“Hard work is the only key to success in life” said Jalley adding that if we work
sincerely and systematically no power in this earth can stop us from achieving any
feat.

He called upon the students not to waste their time and resources in useless things
and rather do some purposeful activities for themselves and their families. He also
suggested them not to run after Govt job only for there were limited opportunities
in Govt sector and suggested them to be self-employed in future.

Further, while appreciating the organizing committee, he suggested them to organize
the Losar festival in open field like other tribes of the state involving every individual
so as to showcase their age-old rich culture besides spreading love and harmony.
He assured to extend every possible help from his side in organizing the festival.

The day-long programme was marked by various colourful cultural representations by
the college students.

AAPBSU condemned Govt statement

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The All Pradesh Border students' Union (AAPBSU) has strongly condemned
the statement of the state Govt that the activities of union are politically motivated.
It has denied the allegation and termed it as baseless. They said instead of fulfilling
the 10 point charter of demands put forward by union, state govt is trying to lower
the image of AAPBSU.

Beside the AAPBSU has come down heavily on the comment made by convenor of Inter-state
Boundary Area Peace Committee (ISBAPC). ISBAPC has never ever raised any voice regarding
the problems of boundary area for the benefit local citizens. They are not aware
about problems of the border area and without knowing the fact about issues they
are making statement in media. AAPBSU also expressed concern over the way state government
is threatening them to book under NSA for using word border. “We have never given
any statement hurting the sentiments of state and central government. We are proud
Indian and we are only working towards creating awareness about problems faced by
people living in border areas. On what basis, govt plans to book us under NSA. This
is a tactic to curtail our right to protest,” stated AAPBSU.

The union has unanimously decided to proceed with 10 points charter of demands which
was placed before the state govt and if it is not fulfilled, union threatened to
launch the 2nd phase agitation in coming days.

Meanwhile, AAPBSU expressed resentment over the arrest of its president. Demanding
immediate release of their leader, the union wanted to know the reason behind his
arrest The Union further claimed that most of the persons, who were arrested in
connection with recent bandh call, are juvenile. The union claimed the authorities
had violated the human rights by not keeping the young persons in juvenile home
as per juvenile justice act.

Meanwhile, All West Siang Border Student Union has demanded govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
for the immediate release of AAPBSU President Kipa Robniang, who was arrested today
by capital police.

SDP on cane and bamboo

PALIN, Feb 15: A six-week long Skill Development Program (SDP) on Cane and Bamboo
industry for Hinda-I, Middle Hinda, Radang and Solo villages came to end on February
12 at Palin. The SDP was organized by the Community Learning and Doing Center (CLDC),
Palin and sponsored by the NABARD Itanagar.

Addressing the valedictory function, Tassar Otum, Development Officer, handloom and
Handicraft department, Koloriang, appreciated the organizer for conducting such
an innovative program for the local people in the far-flung area for generating awareness
and skill on locally available resources like Cane and Bamboo for self-employment.
He said, this kind of activities will definitely boost the rural people’s income.

Dohu Apa, a Cane and Bamboo entrepreneur from Palin suggested the trainees to become
a self employed by starting their unit on cane and bamboo. He further said if the
trainees are not in a position to setting up a unit at their own cost at this moment
, they can be employed in his workshop temporarily for skill development.

Earlier, CLDC President Byabang Rocket highlighted the program and shared a few
encouraging words with the trainees to become self-employed. The trainee participants
were also given a course certificate.

SIRD deputy director VK Sharma imparted training on IWMP to the administrative officers
and officers and officials of executing agencies and members of the village level
watershed management committee. Sharma, while informing about the IWMP project in
East Kameng which are at different stages, appealed to the participants in the training
to work together as a team for the timely completion of the projects. He said “we
have to ensure balanced development and growth with the gifted natural resources.”

DC incharge Tage Tado, ADC appealed to the stake holders to make good use of the
knowledge gained from the training for the development of their respective area.
“Learning makes one to be efficient in discharging duties for better delivery of
public services”, he added.

DRDA PD Kego Jilen called on proper co-ordination among the stake holders and to
do away with complaints and counter complaints at the time of implementation of the
projects. DIPRO

Oriah greetings

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (Retd) J.J. Singh has extended
his warm greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the festive occasion of
Oriah.

In his festival message, the Governor said that the festival of Oriah is renowned
for the pulsating war dances and display of vibrant cultural heritage of Wancho community.
He expressed his hope that the festival which heralds the dawn of the new season
will continue to facilitate the promotion and safeguarding of the rich cultural heritage
of our Wancho brethren. On this auspicious occasion, I join my Wancho brothers and
sisters to offer our prayer to Almighty ‘Rang’ to bless each one of us with his choicest
blessings, good health and a bumper harvest, General Singh added in his message.

With the active participation of academicians and stakeholders in the conference,
it has now become an authoritative and analytical source for making policy recommendations
on higher and technical education in the state. As usual the conference also features
Outstanding College Teachers' Award, Felicitation of former Education Administrators
and College / University Teachers, Governor's Award to University Toppers, Gold Medal
to Polytechnic Toppers, NSS Awards, Release of Books etc. on the inaugural session.
DIPR

Construction of burial ground opposed

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: All Hong Development Committee, All Hong Welfare Association, All
Siiro Village Management Committee and All Hong Employees’ Welfare Association, Ziro,
opposed the construction/development of Burial ground and Garbage Disposal ground
in the land of Hong village.

The organizations resented that in spite of repeated representations against the
project earlier, tenders are being invited for construction of approach road of burial
ground.

The organizations appealed to the Deputy Commissioner and the Deputy Director, Ziro
Division, Urban Development Department not to develop any burial ground cum Solid
Garbage disposal ground within the land of Hong village. It threatened to launch
democratic movement in case of failure of the authorities to pay its grievances.

Foundation stone for Donyi Colony laid

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The foundation stone laying ceremony of Donyi Colony road was
held yesterday. Capital MLA Techi Kaso and former Tali MLA Takam Sorang attended
the function. While addressing the residents of the colony, Kaso urged people to
be patient and maintain quality while executing work. Former MLA Sorang called on
everyone present to work with discipline and unity to achieve developmental milestone.

Later Donyi Colony Welfare Committee submitted a memorandum to MLA Kaso seeking his
attention. MLA assured to look into the demands.

APATCYO reiterates demands

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Orgnization Papum Pare
Unit has called on state government to immediately arrest all the miscreants involved
in burning down of APSTS busses on February 4. Further organization also urged state
Govt to provide compensation to the two injured victims. They have expressed concern
over the unresponsive attitude of government towards their demand.

Tamla-Du celebrated at Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Feb 15: The members of Mishmi community residing in Capital Complex today
celebrated the Tamla-Du festival here with pomp and gaiety.

Sodyong Kri, Chairman of the celebration Committee while addressing the gathering
have narrated the background about the festival. The main attraction of the occasion
was Tanggong dance in which all the participants converged to form bee queue thudding
all around the corridor.

One in four people in Asia will be 60 or older by the year 2050, rising from one
in 10 in 2010, according to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific. Over 65 per cent of Asia’s elderly population will be women.

The over-60 population will rise from 165 million to 439 million in China and from
93 million to 323 million in India from 2010 to 2050, according to government projections
reported to the UN.

India’s overall population is expected to exceed China’s in the same period.

One of the sharpest increases in the region will be in Bangladesh, where the elderly
will almost quadruple from 6.6 percent of the population in 2010 to 22.5 percent
in 2050.

The biggest challenges facing this population are social insecurity and health problem.

Beyond physical frailty, the number of dementia patients in the Asia-Pacific region
will rise from 14 million in 2005 to 24 million in 2020 and become as high as 65
million by 2050.

Loneliness, disorientation, a sense of abandonment and lack of self-worth are the
causes of depression and poor mental health among the elderly people.

A key to ensuring the elderly receive the care they need is to ensure they have a
solid support network - one that is slowly shrinking.

Emotional happiness

Dear Editor,

Apropos news article published on February 13 in your daily regarding announcement
of financial assistance to the fire victim of the bereaved family of Late Khow, a
10 years old boy of Kharteng village and Lama Phurpa Tashi and others in Tawang Monastery
by MPs Mukut Mithi, Takam Sanjay, and Ninong Ering, for rebuilding the damaged structures,
the Abbot and Senior Lamas of Tawang Monastery expressed their sincere gratitude
to the MPs for showing their generosity in the hour of difficult time.

The relief announced by the Members of Parliament of Arunachal Pradesh gave emotional
happiness to the Monks of Tawang Monastery and general public of Tawang district.
The love, compassion in humanity shown by our great leaders of Arunachal Pradesh
is an example in itself.

I, on behalf of District Administration and General Public of Tawang too express
whole-hearted thanks to the Members of Parliament.

Yours,

L Phunchu, ADC

I/c Deputy Commissioner,

Tawang.

Liberalism is nothing but a state of mind

Dear Editor,

Dr. Neelam Nega is of the opinion that differences in culture, tradition and language
act as divisive elements in the society and give birth to disharmony ( "The other
side", 13 February).

But Switzerland, despite being home of four main languages, namely, French, German,
Italian and Romansch, remain one of the most peaceful nations of the world. In contrast,
the Telugu-speakers in Andhra Pradesh, are presently engaged in bitter rivalries
among themselves by dividing on the lines of Telengana, Rayalseema and coastal belt!

Actually, liberalism is nothing but a state of mind. The societies which are truly
educated (mere earning of university degrees is not the parameter of being educated)
are enlightened enough to appreciate the diversities within the human race so as
to make the society a real colourful one. Instead of trying to ensure "unity" by
killing diversities, the society should learn to respect the distinct identities
of all and award exemplary punishment to those who try to fracture harmony by exploiting
race, religion, caste and language.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal
address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.